HIKING

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Hiking Update - Updated August 14, 2006 - Hiking trails are in great shape all around the Lake Tahoe Basin, especially along the east and north shores.  There is still some snow on the north facing slopes above 8500' in Desolatioin Wilderness above the west shore.  There are also still patches of snow on the north facing shaded areas on the trail to the top of Mt. Rose. 

The information below is from the Summer of 2005 and is a general guide to summertime hiking conditions.  

The Tahoe Rim Trail heading north from Spooner Summit is now in excellent condition and completely free of snow from Tahoe Meadows to Spooner Summit.  The trails in Tahoe Meadows (along the Mt. Rose Highway just 5 minutes from Incline Village) are in perfect condition.  Wildflowers are coming out in abundance, the streams are flowing and everything is turning green.  Mid-July through late August will be the best time to go for a hike or short walk in the meadow. 

If you go hiking while there is still snow melting on the high peaks, especially in the late afternoon or early evening make sure you bring some insect repellent.  We have the perfect weather conditions for mosquitoes to breed, so enjoy the scenery but don't get nibbled by the little critters.

Hiking at the Diamond Peak Ski Area is only permitted on the graded roads, please stay off the areas being revegetated.  For a leisurely hike I recommend going up to the Snowflake Lodge, bring a picnic and enjoy the spectacular view.  If you want something more strenuous, then hike up to the top of the Crystal Peak chairlift and rest among the granite boulders.  The Tahoe Rim Trail runs right behind the east side of the Crystal Peak chairlift, so you can take some interesting side trips north or south along the TRT once you've reached this point.

Snow shoeing is still an option on the north facing slopes in Desolaton Wilderness and in many spots along the West Shore of Lake Tahoe above 8,500 feet.   

Eagle Falls over near Emerald Bay is absolutely spectacular right now and should be running full well into late July, possibly even mid- August.  The snowpack in Desolation Wilderness is very deep and hiking trails there will are just becoming accessible.  Lakes are extremely cold and not yet suitable for swimming in Desolation, and water levels are very high so be careful crossing streams.  Watch out for melting and unstable snow bridges.  When in doubt, detour.

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